How Different Cultures Handle Meeting Times
| Country | Behavior | Explanation | Interesting Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greece | Very late, 30-60 minutes | Greek culture is relaxed, often 30-60 minutes late. | Enjoy a coffee while waiting. |
| South Korea | Slightly early or on time | Punctuality is valued but a 5-10 minute grace period is common. | Apologize if you're late even by a few minutes. |
| France | Fashionably late | Arriving 10-15 minutes late is seen as stylish and acceptable. | Embrace the elegance of being slightly late. |
| Japan | Punctual to the second | People in Japan value punctuality and may arrive 10-15 minutes early. | Considered rude to be late, viewed as a sign of disrespect. |
| Papua New Guinea | Often late, 15-30 minutes | Laid-back culture means 15-30 minutes late is normal. | Use the time to relax. |
| South Africa | Punctual to slightly late | Generally punctual, but a 15-minute delay is acceptable. | Offer an apology if late. |
| Vietnam | Punctual to slightly late | Vietnamese are generally on time, but 10 minutes late is acceptable. | Apologize if late. |
| Israel | Punctual to slightly late | Israelis are generally on time, but 10 minutes late is acceptable. | Use the time to catch up with friends. |
| Denmark | Punctual | Danes are generally very punctual. | Being late is frowned upon. |
| Brazil | Very late, 30-60 minutes | Brazilian culture is relaxed, often 30-60 minutes late. | Use waiting time to socialize. |
| Fiji | Relaxed, often late | Fijian time means a laid-back approach, often 30 minutes late. | Embrace the island time. |
| Portugal | Often late, 15-30 minutes | Portuguese time means being 15-30 minutes late is common. | Take the time to enjoy a snack. |
| Finland | Extremely punctual | Finns value punctuality highly. | Being late is seen as very disrespectful. |
| Malaysia | Often late, 15-30 minutes | Laid-back culture allows for a 15-30 minute delay. | Use the time to relax. |
| Norway | Punctual | Norwegians are known for being on time. | Lateness is not well received. |
| Guatemala | Often late, 15-30 minutes | Guatemalan time means being 15-30 minutes late is normal. | Use the time to enjoy the surroundings. |
| Italy | Relaxed, often late | Italian culture is more relaxed, 15-30 minutes late is normal. | Enjoy a coffee while waiting. |
| Canada | Punctual | Canadians value punctuality and are usually on time. | Being late is considered rude. |
| Indonesia | Very late, 30-60 minutes | Indonesian time means being 30-60 minutes late is normal. | Plan for flexible schedules. |
| Sweden | Extremely punctual | Swedes value punctuality highly. | Being late is seen as very disrespectful. |
| Peru | Flexible, often late | Peruvian time means being 30 minutes late is common. | Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. |
| Chile | Punctual to slightly late | Chileans are generally on time, but a 10-minute delay is acceptable. | Offer a reason if late. |
| Australia | Punctual to slightly late | Australians are generally on time, but 10 minutes late is acceptable. | Use the time to chat casually. |
| New Zealand | Punctual | New Zealanders value being on time. | Being late is seen as disrespectful. |
| Singapore | Punctual | Singaporeans are known for their punctuality. | Lateness is not tolerated well. |
